Tuesday, 10 September 2013

Analysis: Chaos Contemptor Dreadnoughts

The Contemptor dreadnought was once a key asset
of the space marine legions before the Horus Heresy, but after millennia of constant
war they are now a very rare sight. Whilst rare, they still exist in the ranks of
the dark gods, and are very powerful relics only bolstered by thousands of
years of corruption.

Chaos Contemptors have experienced a few changes
with the arrival of Imperial Armour: Apocalypse. Their stats have changed slightly
in their latest ruleset. They remain 195 points basic, and have gained an extra
attack and the Adamantium Will special rule. However, they have lost a point of
rear armour. It is now more important than ever to keep the back arc covered.

The major changes have been in the war-gear selection.
Chaos Contemptors can no longer use twin-linked heavy flamers, and some
options, like the Plasma Blaster, are more expensive. However, there are a few
new options open to us. We can now take meltaguns on our power-fists on
Contemptors for added anti-armour, and Plasma Blasters and Soul Burners are no
longer limited to one per dreadnought.

Another major change is they can now take two
gun choices (by swapping the power fist that comes as standard). This means that
Chaos Space Marines have access to a mortis/rifleman type setup, and gives the Contemptor
another possible and useful role as a dedicated gun platform. One configuration that sounds
very fun is dual Butcher Cannons. Eight strength eight shots will frighten most
armour, and even unsettle flyers. Even with a shorter range and no twin-linking when compared to the rifleman, the higher rate of fire and strength more than
covers the pitfalls.

The other key area of change is the marks of
the four gods. All four are cheaper than before, though some are cheaper than others.
All have changed in how they benefit your unit:

-Khorne- this mark is still combat focused,
granting rage and rampage

-Nurgle-granting it will not die, this mark
helps make the contemptor more durable

-Slaanesh-this grants assault and defensive
grenades as before, but you no longer get +1 initiative. It is the cheapest
mark now.

-Tzeentch-as well as getting soulblaze on flamers,
you also get to re-roll 1's on your invulnerable saves. like the Nurgle mark the
walker becomes more survivable.

To finish off, here are a few ideas for combinations
that might be fun to try out.